HC Deb 03 December 1928 vol 223 cc824-5
37. Mr. DALTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the secretary general of the League of Nations the resolution of the Assembly of the League recommending all States, if they have not already signed the optional clause of Article 36 of the Statutes of the Permanent Court of International Justice, to do so, with reasonable reservations, rather than not do so at all; whether this recommendation has also been sent to His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions and in India; whether a separate reply will be sent from each of His Majesty's Governments represented on the League of Nations; and whether these replies will be drawn up in concert or individually?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I presume that in accordance with the usual practice a communication similar to that addressed to His Majesty's Government in Great Britain has also been addressed to His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, separate members of the League, and the Government of India, who will send their replies direct. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain in this as in all similar matters to proceed in concert with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions and India.

Mr. RENNIE SMITH

In view of the signature of the Kellogg Pact and of the obvious need for building up machinery for the settlement of disputes arising out of that pact, will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the position which His Majesty's Government have taken up during the last four yea-is on this particular point?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that I ought to be asked to answer a question of that sort without notice.

Mr. DALTON

Arising out of the answer to the original question, do we understand that, since His Majesty's Government assented to this resolution at Geneva, they are now prepared to act upon it in distinction from their past policy?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. I would ask the hon. Member to understand nothing unless it is clearly stated.

Mr. DALTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman state clearly whether he would prefer that I should put down a further question at a later stage to enable him to do so on another occasion?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. That would do.